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Written by Drew Redd. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.
A 2016 study reveals that benzodiazepine abuse affects 2.3% to 18% of Americans. Chronic benzodiazepine abuse puts patients at serious risk of cognitive problems, dementia, falls, and even death. The highest risk comes from combining benzos with opioids or alcohol—patients dealing with this type of polysubstance abuse face 15 times the risk of death.
If you’re ready to break free from benzodiazepines, Ardu can guide you through every step of recovery. Our specialized drug recovery program pairs expert medical supervision with a personalized benzodiazepine tapering plan for a safe, supportive healing space.
Benzodiazepine addiction (benzodiazepine use disorder) demands professional care for a safe recovery. At Ardu’s Provo, Utah facility, our expert team combines comprehensive therapy with personalized treatment in a peaceful mountain setting. We craft individual treatment plans to match your needs and guide you toward lasting freedom from benzodiazepine dependence.
Abrupt benzodiazepine withdrawal puts your life at risk. Our medically supervised detox program carefully tapers your dosage under 24/7 monitoring for a safe and comfortable withdrawal process.
Many clients struggling with benzodiazepine dependence also face other mental health challenges. Our dual diagnosis program treats the addiction and underlying conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD simultaneously.
We tailor every treatment plan to fit your unique path to recovery.
The first step to beating benzodiazepine addiction starts with a safe benzo detox. Ardu’s detox services focus on precise, science-backed tapering plans that minimize withdrawal risks while targeting unpleasant physical and mental symptoms.
Our medical experts watch your safety 24/7 while adjusting medications to fit your body’s response. We pair advanced medical treatments with holistic detox treatments to soothe withdrawal.
Your personalized benzodiazepine detox includes:
Our integrated approach provides a safer detox experience and lays the foundation for long-term recovery.
Ardu’s drug and alcohol rehab services provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help you overcome benzodiazepine, opioid, alcohol, or other types of addiction. Our innovative methods and supportive environment maximize your chance for lasting recovery.
Choose from our treatment paths:
Whether beginning detox or continuing recovery, Ardu offers the tools and support you need to overcome addiction and achieve lasting change. Reach out to learn how our programs can help you rebuild a healthier, brighter future.
At our treatment facility, our medical providers will work closely with you to develop a personalized recovery plan that meets your unique needs during the detox process and beyond. Visit our admissions process page, and contact our admissions team for more information.
Benzodiazepine addiction reveals itself through distinct physical and mental signs. Watch for the following symptoms:
If you spot these symptoms in yourself or someone you love, call Ardu. We’ll guide you toward a safe, confidential path to recovery.
Certain benzodiazepines carry higher addiction risks based on how fast they act and how quickly your body absorbs them. The most addictive benzos include:
Shorter-acting benzos such as these hit your system quickly and wear off fast, creating a cycle of highs and lows that fuels addiction. Our specialized IV amino acid therapy replenishes brain chemicals depleted by benzodiazepine use to reduce withdrawal symptoms and allow your body to return to its natural balance.
Contact our drug detox center for more information.
Addiction to benzodiazepines attacks every system in your body. Chronic use damages organs and disrupts nearly all important functions from your brain to your bones. Here are eight ways benzodiazepines harm your body:
Don’t wait for benzodiazepine addiction to destroy your brain and life. Early treatment results in better recovery outcomes. Our drug rehab center is equipped to battle every substance use disorder (SUD), from benzos to alcohol.
Benzodiazepines rank among the hardest and most dangerous drugs to quit. According to a 2022 online survey, 95% of users need medical supervision when quitting benzo use to avoid potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. These drugs grip the brain and body so powerfully that most people need months or years of careful medical tapering to break free.
The FDA reports that even short-term use (2–4 weeks) can lead to physical dependence, and about half of patients who take benzos for more than two months face serious withdrawal complications such as:
A small percentage of patients (5%) stop independently without complications, but most need a carefully structured medical tapering plan. This tapering process often extends several months or even years because the symptoms of benzo withdrawal can remain severe and life-threatening without proper dose reduction under medical supervision.
Patients must taper off Benzodiazepines under medical supervision; sudden stoppage puts your life at risk. Withdrawal requires a precise medical strategy called the Ashton Method, a proven approach to reduce your dose while protecting you from dangerous effects.
Here’s how Ardu’s medical team guides you to recovery:
A 2018 study conducted in the Netherlands offers insights into the effectiveness of a structured tapering program. 62% of patients successfully discontinued benzodiazepines under medical supervision.
Reach out to Ardu and let’s build a personalized path to help you reclaim your life.
Drew Redd is the executive director of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.
Stopping benzodiazepines requires medical supervision to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, anxiety disorders, and muscle pain. The best approach is tapering the dose gradually, which lowers the risk of dangerous side effects and withdrawal syndrome.
A professional treatment plan may include inpatient care or an intensive outpatient program, depending on the severity of the addiction. Medication-assisted treatment and ongoing therapy, such as motivational interviewing or cognitive behavioral therapy, address co-occurring mental health disorders and emotional health challenges. The recovery process often involves holistic approaches, healthy coping skills, and aftercare programs to minimize the risk of relapse.
Long-term benzodiazepine use typically refers to taking the medication for over 3-4 weeks. Prolonged use can lead to physiological dependence, impaired coordination, memory issues, and an increased risk of severe symptoms such as withdrawal syndrome and benzodiazepine use disorder.
The duration of action varies depending on the drug, with short-acting benzodiazepines often causing tolerance and addiction more quickly. Long-term use may also result in co-occurring mental health conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder and depression, which further complicates the recovery journey. Medical detoxification and personalized treatment plans are often required for those experiencing long-term dependence.
Reversing the effects of benzodiazepines depends on the situation, such as overdose or long-term use. While flumazenil, a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, is effective for emergencies such as an overdose, comprehensive care is required for addiction or withdrawal.
Here are some ways medical professionals reverse the harmful effects of benzodiazepines:
Long-acting benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) are easier to withdraw from than short-acting ones such as alprazolam (Xanax). This is because long-acting benzodiazepines have a smoother tapering process and reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms (e.g., muscle pain, anxiety disorders, and increased heart rate). They stay in the system longer, which helps stabilize blood levels and minimizes fluctuations that can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms. Their extended half-life provides more time for the body to adapt gradually, making the detox process safer and more manageable under medical supervision.
Prolonged Xanax use can lead to physical symptoms such as puffiness, blurred vision, and impaired coordination. These effects stem from its impact on muscle relaxation, water retention, and slowed nervous system activity. Addiction to Xanax can cause poor concentration and overall health decline, affecting skin quality and increasing signs of aging.
The best treatment for benzodiazepine addiction combines medication-assisted treatment, professional detoxification, and ongoing therapy.
Benzo belly describes bloating, abdominal discomfort, and digestive issues during benzodiazepine withdrawal. These symptoms arise because benzodiazepines disrupt the central nervous system’s control of the digestive tract, leading to changes in gut motility and increased sensitivity. Individuals often face constipation, diarrhea, gas, or nausea, which reduces daily functionality and affects overall well-being.
This condition often occurs alongside other benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and muscle pain, complicating recovery. To address benzo belly successfully, you need to correct nervous system imbalances, adjust diets, increase hydration, and use probiotics or targeted stress-reduction strategies. In severe cases, medical professionals may incorporate symptom-focused care as part of a structured withdrawal plan.
Benzodiazepine tolerance can decrease over time, but it depends on how the drug is discontinued and the extent of use. Tolerance develops because the body adapts to the drug, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effect. Once benzodiazepines are stopped, the brain gradually readjusts its natural chemical balance, but this process takes time and varies for each individual.
A gradual tapering process under medical care helps reduce the risk of severe benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and anxiety disorders. In cases of prolonged use, tolerance reversal may be slower and requires close monitoring by healthcare professionals for safety and to prevent complications. Resetting tolerance also involves avoiding re-exposure to prescription drugs.
Medication-assisted treatment for benzodiazepine cravings may include anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, or mood stabilizers to manage symptoms of withdrawal. Gabapentin and pregabalin are sometimes prescribed to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
A professional treatment plan often combines these with holistic approaches, healthy coping skills, and ongoing therapy to support emotional health and address co-occurring mental health conditions.
Schmitz, A. (2016). Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: A review. The Mental Health Clinician, 6(3), 120. https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.2016.05.120
Brett, J., & Murnion, B. (2015). Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence. Australian Prescriber, 38(5), 152. https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2015.055
Ramdin C, Mina G, Nelson L, Mazer-Amirshahi M. Benzodiazepine Discharge Prescriptions From Emergency Departments Across the United States Between 2012 and 2019: A National Analysis. J Addict Med. 2024 Jul-Aug 01;18(4):451-457. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000001310. Epub 2024 May 22. PMID: 38776422.
Hofe, I. V., Stricker, B. H., Vernooij, M. W., Ikram, M. K., Ikram, M. A., & Wolters, F. J. (2024). Benzodiazepine use in relation to long-term dementia risk and imaging markers of neurodegeneration: a population-based study. BMC Medicine, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-024-03437-5
Joksimović, S., Divljaković, J., Van Linn, M. L., Varagic, Z., Brajković, G., Milinković, M. M., Yin, W., Timić, T., Sieghart, W., Cook, J. M., & Savić, M. M. (2012). BENZODIAZEPINE-INDUCED SPATIAL LEARNING DEFICITS IN RATS ARE REGULATED BY THE DEGREE OF MODULATION OF α1 GABAA RECEPTORS. European Neuropsychopharmacology : The Journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 23(5), 390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2012.05.003
Chen, J., Chen, Z., Zhang, Y., Fan, X., Zhang, C., Zhu, J., Song, C., Zhang, S., Zhang, D., Tang, L., Li, B., Yang, W., & Hu, Q. (2024). Effective alleviation of depressive and anxious symptoms and sleep disorders in benzodiazepine-dependent patients through repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Addiction Biology, 29(7), e13425. https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.13425
Reid Finlayson, A. J., Macoubrie, J., Huff, C., Foster, D. E., & Martin, P. R. (2022). Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: An Internet survey. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 12, 20451253221082386. https://doi.org/10.1177/20451253221082386
Voshaar, R. C. O., Gorgels, W. J. M. J., Mol, A. J. J., Van Balkom, A. J. L. M., Van De Lisdonk, E. H., Breteler, M. H. M., Van Den Hoogen, J. M., & Zitman, F. G. (2003b). Tapering off long-term benzodiazepine use with or without group cognitive-behavioural therapy: three-condition, randomised controlled trial. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 182(6), 498–504. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.182.6.498.
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